Chapter 6

I had already been with Uncle Henry and Aunty Esther for two weeks now. Martha’s household has avoided contact with me. The house here has been so busy lately getting ready for Uncle’s ‘welcome back’ party with the shareholders. I heard he’ll also use this time to introduce James and Phillip to them. While the maids and servants are occupied with endless duties from cleaning, rearranging, and decorating, Uncle and Aunty have asked me to just roam around and relax. Phillip and I have had much time to catch up some more. The more know Phillip, the more I’ve come to appreciate him as a brother in my life. Back then when we were young and poor in Cuandixia, Phillip had his own friend group and rarely hung out with James and I. But, distance makes the heart fonder and I think Phillip yearns to have a friend who’d listen genuinely to his thoughts as well. Despite the fact that he was once an alcoholic, it’s hard to imagine him as that kind of person once. Regardless, I’m deeply happy he has overcome that and it now striving for a better version of himself.

Hannah and Phillip were walking alongside and joking in the enormous and heavily decorated garden with flowers. In the middle was a gorgeous, gigantic, water fountain. Light strings were being put up at the moment and servants were bringing forth white and blush pink roses to continue decorating the garden for the party. Aunty Esther approached Hannah and Phillip who were still poking fun and laughing joyously. Esther couldn’t help but admire Hannah’s glowing face when she was smiling. Her eyes smiled when she smiled. Deep inside, she wished Hannah could’ve been her own daughter-in-law. Esther is always humbled to remember where she came from: a poor country lifestyle.

“Hannah, dear.” Esther spoke, looking elegant in her casual long dress.

Immediately revering her presence, Hannah responded, “Yes, Aunty.” The two stopped joking around.

“I heard from the personal chefs you have an amazing recipe for beef soup.”

Hannah shyly lowered her head and chuckled, “Did they say that? It’s not all that, Aunty. But if you’ll like to try it, I can make some for you now.”

“That’s okay, sweetie. I was actually wondering if you will take charge of making the soup for Uncle Henry’s party tomorrow?”

Her eyes widened in shock. “Oh My! Aunty, are you sure? That’s such a big duty.”

“I trust you’re capable of it. Phillip can accompany you to grab whatever ingredients you need today.”

Just has Hannah nodded to accept the task and turned to leave, Esther added, “Oh, also…before you head to bed tonight, come find me. I have a gift for you.”

***

Sigh. I wonder how you’re doing, James. I know I don’t cross your mind, but you cross mind every day. Have you forgotten your promise to me before you left Cuandixia?

She was slowly walking up the marble, rounded staircase to find Esther. When she entered the deep cherry wooden decorated bedroom, she saw Esther by her vanity appying her facial care routine.

“Ah, sweetie. You’re here. Did you find the ingredients you needed?”

Hannah, nodded. Esther got up to grab a big white box from her walk-in closet and set it on the end of her bed. “Come closer.” She smiled kindly. “Have you ever been to any of Martha’s formal parties?”

Hannah shook her head.

“I thought so. Tomorrow, give the recipe to the chefs. I’ll order a makeup artist and hair stylist for you. I want you to be present for events like these.” She opened the box and pulled out a long, mauve, laced top dress. Hannah jaw dropped slightly. “Aunty, no. I cannot accept this!” Her hands trembled gently.

“Take it,” she patted Hannah’s narrow shoulder. “I want you to look presentable as a family member tomorrow. Think of it for Uncle’s reputation.” Hannah immediately covered her face and sobbed.

“Thank you, Aunty. I’ve never gotten a gift before. I promise to look presentable.”

In bed, Henry asked Esther, “Are you sure this is going to work?”

“We can only try. Hannah’s natural beauty is already charming. With a little enhancement with make up and hair do, just imagine how many bachelors will be floored by her tomorrow night. Let alone, James.”

***

Soft orchestra music fill the still night air. The garden as beautiful lit with light strings while aristocrats and important shareholders carried all sorts of conversations around the spewing fountain.

Esther, in a beautiful maroon silk dress, Henry, in a black suit, were occupied welcoming guests at the bottom of the huge, cement stairs.

Approaching them were Martha, James and Sherry. All dressed very fit and sleek. James wore a navy fitted suit and Sherry wore a short, sequenced, high slit dress. They were the perfect image of a high class, powerful couple.

“Uncle.” James reached out to shake Henry’s hand.

Henry, glanced quickly at the three with an indifferent expression.

“James.”

Martha looked around slowly scanning the scene. “Hm. Where’s Hannah?”

This caught Esther by shock. “Ah, Hannah. she’s busy right now. She’ll join us later.”

“Join us? That girl has never been to any events like this. Aren’t you nervous she will do something embarrassing at such an important event?”

“I think Hannah deserves to be present just as the rest of us. Regardless, I believe she has good conduct to not let us down.” Esther mockingly smiled back.

James couldn’t care less and led Sherry to the fountain area where many of the shareholders had gathered to discuss light business.

Henry was annoyed at seeing James cater to another woman and quietly said to Esther, “Not once in the past two weeks did he come to check up on Hannah. I really hope your plan works tonight, dear.” Esther smiled confidently.